Surprise! County rules no big issue

Published: Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 6:12 p.m.

So it turns out that Henderson County is not stifling businesses with overburdensome regulations, based on findings of a committee appointed to root out red tape. After meeting for several months, the regulation review advisory committee last week unanimously approved a set of 12 recommendations it will present to commissioners in August or September.

Despite seeking input from groups such as the Homebuilders Association and the Chamber of Commerce, the committee found little in the way of specific codes that were burdensome to business. In fact, many groups that made presentations praised county staff, committee chairman Bert Lemkes noted, adding, “There’s a couple of little things that need fixing.”

Among the suggested tweaks is a proposal that the county revise its policy banning alcohol consumption on county-owned property. As now written, County Commission approval is required for special events such as a recent river cleanup sponsored by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. at Westfeldt Park.

Some businesses complain that setbacks from roadways are burdensome to businesses. The committee wants the commissioners to review those, too, although not all members of the panel see them as a big problem. Matt Matteson, a former planning director for the county who served on the panel, said of the setback requirements: “I think they work well and there are remedies in place if they don’t.”

His statement applies to many rules Henderson County has developed as part of its Land Development Code. Prior to passing countywide zoning in 2007, the county had a long history of conflicts caused in part because regulations were inadequate to meet the challenges of rapid growth. Sure, the pace of growth has slowed considerably since the days before the 2008 economic crash. But it is not too much of a stretch to believe the county’s rules and regulations are generally working as intended, judging from the lack of major land-use conflicts recently.

Still, an advisory committee appointed to sniff out burdensome regulations cannot come back completely empty-handed. Hence the panel wants commissioners to review rules for on-premise and off-premise signs, develop an expedited process for business permit approvals, review the county’s Minimal Housing Code and consult with community groups to promote affordable housing. That’s not a bad idea, but lack of affordable housing is nothing new. It’s a problem people have been discussing here for many years. If there is a solution beyond “reviewing” local rules, we would love to hear it.

Three of eight members opposed a recommendation that commissioners consider expanding the number of uses permitted “by right” in zoning districts. Matteson, one of the dissenters, said that would undermine the work of communities that have developed their own plans to guide growth. He is right. Henderson County is a business-friendly community largely because it has managed to maintain much of its rural character and high quality of life. Thoughtful land-use rules, developed by local communities, pose no threat to business. Instead, they help promote sustainable growth and help keep our county as a great place to live and work.

<p>So it turns out that Henderson County is not stifling businesses with overburdensome regulations, based on findings of a committee appointed to root out red tape. After meeting for several months, the regulation review advisory committee last week unanimously approved a set of 12 recommendations it will present to commissioners in August or September.</p><p>Despite seeking input from groups such as the Homebuilders Association and the Chamber of Commerce, the committee found little in the way of specific codes that were burdensome to business. In fact, many groups that made presentations praised county staff, committee chairman Bert Lemkes noted, adding, There’s a couple of little things that need fixing.</p><p>Among the suggested tweaks is a proposal that the county revise its policy banning alcohol consumption on county-owned property. As now written, County Commission approval is required for special events such as a recent river cleanup sponsored by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. at Westfeldt Park.</p><p>Some businesses complain that setbacks from roadways are burdensome to businesses. The committee wants the commissioners to review those, too, although not all members of the panel see them as a big problem. Matt Matteson, a former planning director for the county who served on the panel, said of the setback requirements: I think they work well and there are remedies in place if they don’t.</p><p>His statement applies to many rules Henderson County has developed as part of its Land Development Code. Prior to passing countywide zoning in 2007, the county had a long history of conflicts caused in part because regulations were inadequate to meet the challenges of rapid growth. Sure, the pace of growth has slowed considerably since the days before the 2008 economic crash. But it is not too much of a stretch to believe the county’s rules and regulations are generally working as intended, judging from the lack of major land-use conflicts recently.</p><p>Still, an advisory committee appointed to sniff out burdensome regulations cannot come back completely empty-handed. Hence the panel wants commissioners to review rules for on-premise and off-premise signs, develop an expedited process for business permit approvals, review the county’s Minimal Housing Code and consult with community groups to promote affordable housing. That’s not a bad idea, but lack of affordable housing is nothing new. It’s a problem people have been discussing here for many years. If there is a solution beyond reviewing local rules, we would love to hear it.</p><p>Three of eight members opposed a recommendation that commissioners consider expanding the number of uses permitted by right in zoning districts. Matteson, one of the dissenters, said that would undermine the work of communities that have developed their own plans to guide growth. He is right. Henderson County is a business-friendly community largely because it has managed to maintain much of its rural character and high quality of life. Thoughtful land-use rules, developed by local communities, pose no threat to business. Instead, they help promote sustainable growth and help keep our county as a great place to live and work.</p>